Adelaide Hills Cricket (Hills, A&EH, TV) 2010-11

[saintal]

It’s a fair enough question flyinghigh.

It wasn’t that long ago (ok, 7-10 years!) that Houghton and Birdwood were winning A Grade flags, and Mt Pleasant and Mannum were making grand finals. The A2s was a very competitive grade, and there was even a C Grade.

I don’t think the TVCA administration is to blame really. I’m not really sure what more they can do?

I can only speak for my club, but basically our problems stem from a lot of guys now working saturdays (particularly with more becoming self employed), and a lack of junior players coming through. When I was 15/16 there were a whole group of us who would play mornings and then B Grade in the arvo. Doesn’t really happen now. The junior comps in TVCA have been struggling for 10 years now. Because we (and other smaller clubs) dont have the numbers to sustain a U14 or U16 team, players can be lost to the larger clubs at this age.

In fairly general terms, there just seems to be a feeling of apathy towards the sport as well. Again, only speaking for my club, but a lot of the guys who I sensed played just for the social aspect of it and b/c their mates played have dropped off.

In answer to your question, Birdwood only has an A2 team which has struggled since dropping down from the A Grade. Mt Pleasant/Springton had been in a poor state for the past 3 or 4 years before pulling the pin.

TVCA is obviously made up of a lot of very small towns (Cambrai, Eden Valley, Paracombe, Lenswood, Palmer, Mt Torrens etc), and apart from Kersbrook (who relied on a lot of non-locals) and to a much lesser extent Woodside, nobody has had the cattle to get close to Lobethal in recent times.

With Lobethal and Woodside picking up some handy recruits from other clubs (who dropped down to A2s) over the past 2 off seasons, the gap will only widen and these clubs will move elswhere.

[sherminator]

Excuse my ignorance as I don't know a lot about the 3 comps being mentioned. How many blokes who play footy in the Hills also play cricket? I remember as a younger bloke, you would often find yourself playing both cricket and footy with/against the same guys and that recruits to the footy club would often also play cricket. The thing is, I know quite a few blokes who have 'retired' from cricket because they can make some good coin playing footy and have chosen to use summer to recuperate for footy and ensure they don't pick up any injuries. Could this be another reason many clubs are struggling for numbers?

[FlyingHigh]

It’s a fair enough question flyinghigh.

It wasn’t that long ago (ok, 7-10 years!) that Houghton and Birdwood were winning A Grade flags, and Mt Pleasant and Mannum were making grand finals. The A2s was a very competitive grade, and there was even a C Grade.

I don’t think the TVCA administration is to blame really. I’m not really sure what more they can do?

I can only speak for my club, but basically our problems stem from a lot of guys now working saturdays (particularly with more becoming self employed), and a lack of junior players coming through. When I was 15/16 there were a whole group of us who would play mornings and then B Grade in the arvo. Doesn’t really happen now. The junior comps in TVCA have been struggling for 10 years now. Because we (and other smaller clubs) dont have the numbers to sustain a U14 or U16 team, players can be lost to the larger clubs at this age.

In fairly general terms, there just seems to be a feeling of apathy towards the sport as well. Again, only speaking for my club, but a lot of the guys who I sensed played just for the social aspect of it and b/c their mates played have dropped off.

In answer to your question, Birdwood only has an A2 team which has struggled since dropping down from the A Grade. Mt Pleasant/Springton had been in a poor state for the past 3 or 4 years before pulling the pin.

TVCA is obviously made up of a lot of very small towns (Cambrai, Eden Valley, Paracombe, Lenswood, Palmer, Mt Torrens etc), and apart from Kersbrook (who relied on a lot of non-locals) and to a much lesser extent Woodside, nobody has had the cattle to get close to Lobethal in recent times.

With Lobethal and Woodside picking up some handy recruits from other clubs (who dropped down to A2s) over the past 2 off seasons, the gap will only widen and these clubs will move elswhere.

Yeah, my Saturdays as a kid were like that too, and quite often a game or training on the Sunday. We couldn't get enough of it. Remember times as a kid when junior teams had up to 20 players.
Back in those days there were only u/16's and then u/13's, but over the last few years haven't they expanded the range of junior ages, 12's, 14's, 16's? Perhaps they need to consolidate these?
Do the clubs need to get into the schools more?
It used to be such a great association. I remember Mannum having 4 teams, with either 2 A grade or 2 A2's. Similarly, Paracombe having at least 3 teams.

[FlyingHigh]

Excuse my ignorance as I don't know a lot about the 3 comps being mentioned. How many blokes who play footy in the Hills also play cricket? I remember as a younger bloke, you would often find yourself playing both cricket and footy with/against the same guys and that recruits to the footy club would often also play cricket. The thing is, I know quite a few blokes who have 'retired' from cricket because they can make some good coin playing footy and have chosen to use summer to recuperate for footy and ensure they don't pick up any injuries. Could this be another reason many clubs are struggling for numbers?

I reckon that's a pretty good point, plus the footy pre-seasons, particularly of the better associations, to me start ridiculously early.

[Dutchy]

The thing is the HCA is still quite healthy, so Im not sure what benefits any merger with other associations would bring the HCA, not saying it shouldnt or couldnt happen but think of it from the HCA point of view.

From seeing a couple of A grade games last year and even playing in one, the standard seems as strong as it was 10 years ago.

Dutchy just out of interest what makes you think the comp is so healthy ??

9 clubs have at least 3 teams playing across the 4 grades, participation is strong, recent Meyer Shield success, I dont think you could confidently say who will miss the finals in the A grade (except Stirling) and from what Ive seen myself, I think its just as hard to make a run or take a wicket as it has ever been.

[the wonder elephant]

Excuse my ignorance as I don't know a lot about the 3 comps being mentioned. How many blokes who play footy in the Hills also play cricket? I remember as a younger bloke, you would often find yourself playing both cricket and footy with/against the same guys and that recruits to the footy club would often also play cricket. The thing is, I know quite a few blokes who have 'retired' from cricket because they can make some good coin playing footy and have chosen to use summer to recuperate for footy and ensure they don't pick up any injuries. Could this be another reason many clubs are struggling for numbers?

I reckon that's a pretty good point, plus the footy pre-seasons, particularly of the better associations, to me start ridiculously early.

Tend to agree with this line of thinking as well . Just going from an Ironbank perspective in regards to footy players playing cricket a big portion of our footballers come from down the hill , therefore most that play cricket are affiliated with asca or turf cricket which proves really hard to move them from , as there travel is quite minimal ( i can also tell you that its not from a lack of trying to get some of these boys to play for SCIBs as i am activly involved with both footy and cricket ) Any of u uni boys reading this come and have some fun !!!!!!!!!! Smashed mylor round 1 ( c grade all 1 dayers BTW ) ......he he he Banker

[the wonder elephant]

The thing is the HCA is still quite healthy, so Im not sure what benefits any merger with other associations would bring the HCA, not saying it shouldnt or couldnt happen but think of it from the HCA point of view.

From seeing a couple of A grade games last year and even playing in one, the standard seems as strong as it was 10 years ago.

Dutchy just out of interest what makes you think the comp is so healthy ??

9 clubs have at least 3 teams playing across the 4 grades, participation is strong, recent Meyer Shield success, I dont think you could confidently say who will miss the finals in the A grade (except Stirling) and from what Ive seen myself, I think its just as hard to make a run or take a wicket as it has ever been.

Dutch man can agree with you to a point BUT if we had to field 3 sides last week we would have had to make 50 phone calls on thurday night . ( havent see your name in round 1 teams ??? BTW ) as for reasons why seee the previous post

[Justquietly]

The Gate are fielding 4 grades, who else is? Off the top of my head - Uraidla, Lofty, Onkas? Meadows have an A grade, then D's!
Is it harsh (and just putting it out there) that if you field an A grade, that your next XI be in the b grade? No-one take this as a swipe, as the Gate made the decision to field all 4 grades so that's what we field, no dramas. But a drop from A grade to C's or D's, is it fair that others play your second XI, or is the gap with some second XI's that wide?

[flanker]

The Gate are fielding 4 grades, who else is? Off the top of my head - Uraidla, Lofty, Onkas? Meadows have an A grade, then D's!
Is it harsh (and just putting it out there) that if you field an A grade, that your next XI be in the b grade? No-one take this as a swipe, as the Gate made the decision to field all 4 grades so that's what we field, no dramas. But a drop from A grade to C's or D's, is it fair that others play your second XI, or is the gap with some second XI's that wide?

I reckon its only you boys with 4 teams JQ - Lofty Onkas & Uris all only have 3 this season.

[saintal]

Excuse my ignorance as I don't know a lot about the 3 comps being mentioned. How many blokes who play footy in the Hills also play cricket? I remember as a younger bloke, you would often find yourself playing both cricket and footy with/against the same guys and that recruits to the footy club would often also play cricket. The thing is, I know quite a few blokes who have 'retired' from cricket because they can make some good coin playing footy and have chosen to use summer to recuperate for footy and ensure they don't pick up any injuries. Could this be another reason many clubs are struggling for numbers?

I reckon that's a pretty good point, plus the footy pre-seasons, particularly of the better associations, to me start ridiculously early.

Footy does appear to be impacting more on cricket these days. Preseason training starts earlier and earlier, so guys are looking for a physical break over summer.

A couple of years ago late in the season, a club forfeited against us because the bulk of their players were off on a preseason footy camp. I’ve heard stories from other clubs of players unable to play cricket finals due to footy trials (not talking sanfl either) taking precedence.

[Vaughan]

hi gang
some of you may be familiar with me as i am a very well respected contributor to the hills football thread.
just a bit about me... passionate about my hills sport and my love truly lies with the mighty BRIDGEWATER!!!
was a long winter for me with the up and down form of my beloved RAIDERS and the constant flooding of my home town of verdun.
looking forward to a great summer of cricket from the BCC.
anyone who was there on saturday may have seen a tall figure lurking up around the rec centre development wearing a black everlasting cap.
was really impressed with what i saw from the mighty RAIDERS. tried to stay out of line of the bowlers arm but must admit i was jumping around like a damn stark raving lunatic when bickerstaff took his fifth nearly blew my cap clean off my pill!!!
couldnt believe young breen? got dragged after his spell before tea... he had the mount lofty batsmen in more trouble than the early settlers!!! one for the future.
must admit it broke my heart seeing sinclair make runs.
RAIDERS till I DIE!!!
V.

[Banker]

Seems to be quite a few bridgy boys playin for the redcaps this year

[flanker]

Seems to be quite a few bridgy boys playin for the redcaps this year

Yeah think it was just a case of wanting to play with mates. Interesting that Meadows now only field A & D Grade... will be a massive jump if someone is required to fill in for the A's

[FlyingHigh]

Excuse my ignorance as I don't know a lot about the 3 comps being mentioned. How many blokes who play footy in the Hills also play cricket? I remember as a younger bloke, you would often find yourself playing both cricket and footy with/against the same guys and that recruits to the footy club would often also play cricket. The thing is, I know quite a few blokes who have 'retired' from cricket because they can make some good coin playing footy and have chosen to use summer to recuperate for footy and ensure they don't pick up any injuries. Could this be another reason many clubs are struggling for numbers?

I reckon that's a pretty good point, plus the footy pre-seasons, particularly of the better associations, to me start ridiculously early.

Footy does appear to be impacting more on cricket these days. Preseason training starts earlier and earlier, so guys are looking for a physical break over summer.

A couple of years ago late in the season, a club forfeited against us because the bulk of their players were off on a preseason footy camp. I’ve heard stories from other clubs of players unable to play cricket finals due to footy trials (not talking sanfl either) taking precedence.

And conversely, I think cricket comps could do themselves a big favour by starting 16-20th, ie this weekend.

[Justquietly]

Seems to be quite a few bridgy boys playin for the redcaps this year

Yeah think it was just a case of wanting to play with mates. Interesting that Meadows now only field A & D Grade... will be a massive jump if someone is required to fill in for the A's

I was talking about this with boys at training last night. Meadows having a strong A grade, what if the fringe players at 12 & 13 spots play D's Then it was pointed out to me, how would it be for those guys coming BACK IN TO A grade Bit of a step up. No-one get injured, would be the word!

[Deep Long Off]

Wow - must be the start of a new TVCA season cos it's PISSING DOWN!!!
Lucky we missed the sunny day last weekend

As for the talk about the season being to long and pre season footy training having an effect on numbers...
Footy was only invented by Tom Wills as a way to keep his fellow cricketers fit during the winter and therefore it should be treated as the poor cousin it is to the wonderful game of cricket!

[c u at the crease]

Well then I see my comments about a rebel league have sparked some debate. Nice

Just a couple of points of order,

In my post the teams in each div had nothing to do with current standings etc. It was just to demonstrate a different type of competition that the HCA could have.

I agree with Aldgate about the issue of dropping more that 1 grade away from your standard team. The drop from A's to D's would be horrible for (wait for it) both the player being dropped or promoted but also the lower grade opposition teams as well.

The whole suggestion about the rebel league was due to meadows pulling their c grade out on the day before the comp started (I dont have and issue with you boys at Meadows and I understand why you did it)

My experience from other sports is this type of thing / issue would not have happened. In the other sports the lowest team is removed not a mid nominated team. Ie Meadows would have been forced to loose the D grade and the C grade team would not have been dropped.

Also I agree about the whole marketing thing about most grounds are no more that 25 min away and I come up from town to play every week.

Pipers are looking ok even though they again have fielded three sides. In fact one if the reasons that we havent been pushing to A grade is the reason we are all talking about. Strengthen the club and create some depth then push the club up as a whole.

Yes the C grade was beaten in the first week but they bounced back this week with a big win over the gators.

Pipers looking consistent to again push for finals in all of the grades.

[Dutchy]

The whole suggestion about the rebel league was due to meadows pulling their c grade out on the day before the comp started (I dont have and issue with you boys at Meadows and I understand why you did it)

I didnt realise this happened, what was the reason?

You would expect Meadows to have 14-15 players who could play A grade at any stage, that means there is potentially up to 4 A grade standard played playing D grade every weekend.

On the surface it seems a stange decision by the MCC, at least at C grade level you have some ex A grade players playing the one day comp and some good competition for those pushing A grade selection.

[Justquietly]

Pipers are looking ok even though they again have fielded three sides. In fact one if the reasons that we havent been pushing to A grade is the reason we are all talking about. Strengthen the club and create some depth then push the club up as a whole.
cuatthecrease - firstly, it's good for the game that you have 3 grades from such a small town. However, how many years will we hear the above argument before you put a team up in A grade? To be honest, I would have thought after 3 straight (?) b grade flags, there'd be no better time than this year. What's the real reason?

[cripple]

Excuse my ignorance as I don't know a lot about the 3 comps being mentioned. How many blokes who play footy in the Hills also play cricket? I remember as a younger bloke, you would often find yourself playing both cricket and footy with/against the same guys and that recruits to the footy club would often also play cricket. The thing is, I know quite a few blokes who have 'retired' from cricket because they can make some good coin playing footy and have chosen to use summer to recuperate for footy and ensure they don't pick up any injuries. Could this be another reason many clubs are struggling for numbers?

I reckon that's a pretty good point, plus the footy pre-seasons, particularly of the better associations, to me start ridiculously early.

Tend to agree with this line of thinking as well . Just going from an Ironbank perspective in regards to footy players playing cricket a big portion of our footballers come from down the hill , therefore most that play cricket are affiliated with asca or turf cricket which proves really hard to move them from , as there travel is quite minimal ( i can also tell you that its not from a lack of trying to get some of these boys to play for SCIBs as i am activly involved with both footy and cricket ) Any of u uni boys reading this come and have some fun !!!!!!!!!! Smashed mylor round 1 ( c grade all 1 dayers BTW ) ......he he he Banker

A good point you raise. Personally don't think your missing out on to much with the uni boys though.